International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET)
Volume: 03 Issue: 12 | Dec -2016 www.irjet.net
Daylight and Sustainable Architecture for Warm Humid climate
C. V. Subramanian1, S. Kamalesvari2
1Associate Professor, Dept. of Architecture, Periyar Maniammai University, Tamilnadu, India
2Final year student, Dept. of Architecture, Periyar Maniammai University, Tamilnadu, India
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Abstract - Daylight has been seen as a creative element
throughout architectural history, which influences the built
form and the spatial quality of any building. Only that, its form
or method of usage has been varied in the subsequent era in
accordance to the socio economic conditions. Natural light
acts as a visual element which enhances the overall perception
of the space. This paper states the importance of natural light
in architecture and the design criteria under which it can be
efficiently utilized in the built forms, from the first step which
affects the designer decision for form, proportion, location of
the opening and the building orientation; especially dealing
with the design criteria of Tamil Nadu region which
experiences a warm humid climate where the annual
temperature ranges between 38o C to 20o C, with an average
humidity of 67%
Key Words: Daylight, Design criteria, Fenestration, Interior
illumination, Warm humid climate.
1.0 INTRODUCTION
The essential element that enhances the spatial quality of a
building in architecture is light. Lighting plays its role over
the distribution or occurrence of features such as brightness,
shadows, color, their distribution and even many other
aspects influencing our visual experience and taking a lead
over the psychophysical well-being of the individual and the
atmospheric character. This natural daylight varies with its
intensity and character at various regions, according to their
location with respect to the equator.
Due to the geographical location, Tamil Nadu experiences a
warm humid climate. The solar radiation in this region is
intense and to a great extent diffused, thus producing sky
glare. Here the temperature difference is minimal, so wind is
light or even non- existent for longer period.
2.0 DAYLIGHT IN ARCHITECTURE
Natural light acts as a language of communication and a
medium of understanding the space by relishing over its
interpretation of form, texture and color in architecture.
Natural light gives an immortal identity to architecture. The
manipulation of light in different ways gives a varied
impression over the buildings. The extent of its availability
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influences the overall planning and design. To obtain a
reasonable lighting, consideration over the climate, the use
of the space and its speciality of visual work are taken into
account. Daylight as two distinctive sources of light:
1. Sunlight - That fraction of parallel rays of solar
radiation, reaching the earths surface after certain
diminution by the atmosphere (direct component)
2. Skylight - That fraction of solar radiation, reaching
the earths surface as a result of dispersion in the
atmosphere. (diffused component)
Fundamental aspects of architectural lighting design:
Aesthetic appeal a feature important in the
illumination of indoor environment.
Ergonomic aspect - the measure of how much of
function the lighting plays.
Energy efficiency - to ensure optimum lighting in
the interior, avoiding unwanted lighting or more
illumination than the required task.
2.1 NEED FOR DAYLIGHT
On a practical note, daylight has the ability to satisfy
biological and human need by means of its proper utilization.
In general, lighting consumes about 25% - 40% of electricity
in any building. Use of daylight can save or reduce it to half
of its total energy consumption. It can also reduce the
heating and cooling energy consumption in comparison to
electrical lighting.
2.2 GOALS OF DAYLIGHT
The main goal of daylight is to bring in light deeper into the
building in order to raise the illumination level and to reduce
the illumination gradient across the room. The second goal
deals with the reduction of direct glare of unprotected
horizontal and vertical openings. The third goal is to have a
control over the brightness ratio, especially caused by direct
sunlight on or near the working plane. The fourth goal aims
to prevent or minimize veiling reflections from skylights and
high windows. By multiplying the reflections over the ceiling
and wall, the light can be diffused, thus satisfying the fifth
goal. The sixth goal is to utilize the aesthetic and functional
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potential of daylight to the fullest in spaces accompanying
critical visual tasks.
2.3 NATURE OF DAYLIGHT
The daylight entering an opening can have various sources -
direct sunlight, clear sky, clouds, or reflections from the
ground and nearby buildings. The light from each source
varies not only in quantity but also in qualities such as color,
diffusion range, and efficacy. Each source of light has its own
range of delivery. The two extreme conditions of daylight are
overcast sky and clear sky with sunlight. Clear sky produces
high illumination which is 100 to 200 times greater than the
required amount of light in the indoor. Day lighting remains
very high during the mid day. Under such conditions, a 1sq ft
(0.6 sq m) window could illuminate over 250 sqft (23 sq m)
of floor area. Even on overcast days, the same window could
illuminate about 50 sqft (4.5 sq m) of floor area. Clear blue
sky produces daylight of diffused form and of reduced
brightness, while direct sunlight is directional and extremely
bright.
In the building interior, the ceiling has got the most
important light reflecting surface. High reflectance paints
and ceiling tiles with 0.90 or high reflectance values are
available, which when designed or positioned towards the
daylight source, creates a brighter indoor environment.
Light reflecting proportions in the building interior are in
the range as follows- Ceilings: > 90% , Walls: 50-70%,
Floors: 20-40% and Furnishings: 25-45%.
2.4 DAYLIGHT FACTOR Vs DAYLIGHT
AVAILABILITY
The daylight factor is a very common and easy method used
to measure the quality of daylight in a room/building under
an overcast sky. The higher the DF, the more is the
availability of natural light. Expressed as:
DF = (Ei / Eo) x 100%
Ei - Illuminance due to daylight at a point on the indoor
working plane.

Eo - Simultaneous outdoor illuminance on a horizontal plane

from an unobstructed hemisphere of sky.

The Ein illuminance can be considered as the sum of three

different illuminances:

Fig -1: Sources of daylight The light received directly from the sky(sky
component) (ED)
Positioning and material selection in the interior of building The light received directly by reflection from
helps to illuminate by light reflectance. The reflectance factor buildings and obstructions outside the room. (EER)
of various materials is shown in table-1. The light received directly by reflection from
surfaces inside the room. (EIR)
Table -1: Reflectance factor for various materials
Material Reflectance (Percent) Hence, the daylight factor can be expressed as the sum of
Aluminum, reflector 90 98
three components:
Aluminum, polished 70 85
Asphalt 10
Brick, red 25 45 DF = DC + ERC + IRC
Concrete 30 50
Glass Clear or tinted 7 DC - Direct component
Reflective 20 40 ERC - Externally reflected component
Grass Dark green 10 IRC - Internally reflected component
Dry 35
Mirror (glass) 80 90 Table -2: Average daylight factor
Paint Black 4 Average DF Appearance Energy implications
White 70 90
Porcelain enamel (white) 60 90 Electric lighting needed
Snow 60 75 < 2% room looks gloomy
most of the day
Stone 5 50
Vegetation, average 25
Predominantly day Good balance between
Wood 5 40
2% to 5% lit appearance,but lighting and thermal
supplementary aspects
artificial lighting is

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needed. Bath room 150 - 300

At Daytime electric Class room 150 - 300

lighting is rarely needed,
Workshop 100 400 (general)
Room appears but potential for thermal
> 5%
strongly day lit problems due to 300 400 (task)
overheating in summer
and heat losses in winter Office 500

Conference room 300

Daylight availability is defined as the ratio between the
Auditoria 150 - 200
indoor and outdoor illuminance levels. It is more or less
similar to daylight factor. The availability of daylight is Internal corridors, 150 - 200
calculated under the actual sky conditions, which also stairwell, entrance and
elevator lobby
includes clear and intermediate skies.
Parking Bays & Driving 75(indoor)
Table -3: Minimum daylight factors Lanes
Type of space Daylight factor (%) 10 20 (outdoor)
Art studios, galleries 46
Factories, laboratories 35 Computer workstation 300 - 500
Offices, classrooms, gymnasiums, 2
Library 150 - 300
kitchens
Lobbies, lounges, living rooms, 1 Museum & gallery 300
churches
Corridors, bedrooms 0.5 Cafeteria 100

Over cast sky condition is the presence of completely cloudy

sky (100% covered) and clear sky is denoted by having less
than 30% of clouds covering the sky or no clouds
2.5 DAYLIGHT STRATEGIES:
Availability of daylight and its utilization to the fullest in
architectural buildings greatly depends on various aspects
such as the orientation of the building, its form, the position
of the opening and its type, allocation of zones (planning),
and the quality of the interior in relation to the material,
color and use, which also includes the elements present.
In warm humid climate the luminance available is
approximately 7000 cd/sq.m. Since the cloud cover is about
60% - 70% more diffused light is available.
2.6 BUILDING DESIGNS TO BRING DAYLIGHT INSIDE
2.6.1 DAYLIGHT PENETRATION
On the basis of standards, a window can provide an
illumination to a depth of about 1.5 times the distance
between the floor and the top of the window with the help of
natural light. Use of elements such as light shelves or other
reflector systems can increase the distance to two or more
times than the standard depth. Lighting penetration depth
depends on the height of the window. As a common fact, a
properly designed daylight is more effective within the first
25 feet from the vertical opening.
2.6.2 FENESTRATIONS

Table -4: Average illumination level In architecture, fenestration refers to the arrangement,
Spaces Illumination (lux) proportion, design of window, skylight and door system
within a building which acts as a means of admitting solar
Hall 500 1000
radiation for natural lighting, referred to as day lighting.
Kitchen 150 - 500
Fenestrations can be broadly classified into two main types:
Dining 150 - 300
Side lighting [windows]
Bedroom 150 - 200 Top lighting [skylight]

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I - Side Lighting:
The vertical fenestration introduced to the building tends to
produce light that can be too bright causing glare, where
provision of desirable view makes it acceptable. Side light
aperture can be measured by calculating the Window-to-
Wall Ratio (WWR) or Window-to-Floor Ratio (WFR). While
calculating, only the transparent part of the window (i.e) the Fig -2: Recommended spacing for skylights with high
net glazing area is taken into count (usually 80% of the windows as a function of ceiling height.
gross window area). Whether it is the calculation of wall
ratio (exterior height) or floor ratio, the total surface area is
considered. The calculation involves the multiplication of the B) Clerestory Window:
These are vertical glazing, located high overhead. South
Visible Light Transmittance (VLT) with Window-to-Floor
facing clerestories can be shaded with overhangs when
Ratio (WFR). Calculated as, properly designed. North clerestory (angled clerestory) can
reflect light deep into the room. It is usually best to have
0.15 < VLT x WFR < 0.18 and 0.20 < WWR < 0.30 clerestories face either north or south, depending on the
(Preferably 0.24) climate.

II - Top Lighting:

Buildings with large floor area or with many subsequent

floors can be benefited using top lighting. Skylights,
clerestories, monitor, and saw tooth roofs are categorised
under top lighting types. In comparison, horizontal roof light
can facilitate lighting to an extent of about three times
greater than that of vertical lighting. Maximum roof light
area can be limited to 12% of the floor area to reduce
excessive heat gains. For rectangular skylighting, Area of
one skylight = (Floor to Ceiling Height x 1.5)2 x target
SRR (Skylight-to-Roof Ratio). It is recommended that the
percentage should be within 3%-6% and for tubular skylight
it shall be 1%-2%.
Fig -4: Typical spacing of clerestories shown as a function of
A) Skylight: ceiling height.
Installation of skylight is best done by using diffused skylight
to prevent direct sunrays which causes bright spots. III - Glazing Ratio:
Percentages of skylight area can be restricted to 5%-6% of
the roof area. They may be of various forms or shapes Glazing affords surplus amount of natural light, provided it
(domed, horizontal or slightly sloping glazed openings) allows unwanted summer solar gains and winter heat losses.
An approximation of about 25%-50% of glazing of the
external wall is recommended for proper lighting. This
percentage may vary in accordance to various factors such as
orientation, location, obstructions [view of sky] and
activity/user requirements.

IV - Shading Devices:

Shading is considered to be an integral part of architecture

Fig -3: Recommended spacing for skylights without
windows is given as a function of ceiling height.
which adds up to both functional and aesthetical value.
Glazed openings exposed to direct sunlight should be
strategically designed for solar controls, to improve building
energy performance, prevent glare, increase useful daylight
availability and create a sense of security. These devices can
be fixed or movable in which movable can be either manual
or automatic (internally or externally) shading device.

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V - Shadows:

Shadows become a matter of interest. These shadows may be

based on three categories, attached shadow (forming
shadows on the element itself), shading (bright and dark
contrast), cast shadow (shadows over other elements). The
elements involved in the creation may be columns, jalli work,
arches, translucent materials, etc.

3.0 DESIGN CRITERIA FOR WARM HUMID CLIMATE

Heat absorption and heat storage are avoided, and the use of
low thermal mass, high reflective outer surfaces or double-
skin structures is recommended. Temperature at the interior
level can be maintained by the proper designing of
ventilation and utilisation of air movement at increased
velocity, which takes the advantage of reduction in heat and
compresses the humidity level.
3.1 Settlement Planning and Design
Fig -6: Building orientation along the wind direction.
Cross-ventilation acts more effective in interior spaces by
enlarging the openings of the internal partitions and by
providing free passage, courtyards, verandah, etc. Houses
over raised platform facilitates with better ventilation.
Continuous circulation of air enhances the space with
appropriate temperature and humidity.

I - Sun orientation

As the warm-humid climate zones are located near the

equator, orientation of the settlements pattern should be
placed preferably on southern or northern slopes. The best
orientation is longer sides facing north and south directions
to protect from the solar radiations. However the east and
west sides should be shaded by shading devices.
Fig -7: (a) Good ventilation, (b) Excellent ventilation

3.2 - Urban Form and External Space

Fig -5: Optimisation of the orientation
II - Wind orientation
Primary wind direction and secondary wind direction
should be considered while designing the buildings.
Elongating the settlement in a line across the prevailing
wind direction gives low resistance to air movement
and is therefore the ideal solution. Building should be
oriented along the wind direction with the longer axis
intercepting the predominant wind directions.
In order to take the advantage of air circulation, an open
settlement pattern is preferred, where buildings are
separated with large free spaces. This pattern enhances the
airflow thus facilitating proper ventilation. External public
spaces are to be covered and protected for sun and rain,
provided they have a proper cross-ventilation. Linear
streetscapes are more advantageous for uninterrupted air
movement.
The pavement which is not shaded absorbs heat quickly and
increases the temperature, whereas vegetal cover increases
the micro climate keeping the outdoor comparatively low.

Fig -8: Temperature variation due to ground cover materials

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A) Shape and volume
Forms with large surface areas are preferred to compact
buildings. This favours ventilation and heat emission at night
time. Two or three floors are recommended as taller
buildings have too much radiant heat and also obstruct air
flow to neighbouring buildings.
B) Openings and shading devices
As openings play a vital role in warm humid regions, certain
criterias are to be followed. The openings should be large
enough and fully operable, equipped with flexible louvers
(protection from driving rain) allowing appropriate
regulation of ventilation. Fixed glass panes in openings do
not satisfy any purpose.
Fig -9: (a) Ordinary louvers, (b) Modified louvers
Jalli works can act as an alternate to windows at appropriate
places as a main source of opening. Shading devices provided
should be much larger as the radiation is diffused, provided
it obstructs the sky and not just the sun.
Fig -10: Inlet at lower level and outlet at higher level
Fig -11: Baffle wall helps to drive air flow
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C) Shading with vegetation
Due to the characters of solar radiation, shading devices are
demanded. A low cost solution for creating a shading device
is by providing vegetation rich environment, creating a
micro climate. They are designed in such a way that it does
not hinder the air movement.
Fig -12: Green cover on balconies of multistory building
Incorporations of high trees with wide, shading canopies in
landscape designing provide significant protection from
solar radiation. Before reaching the buildings, air should not
be allowed to pass through the unshaded pavement, as it
drives in hot air.
Fig -13: Canopy effect by trees
Creating landscape around the building or growing of green
cover over the roof and wall (acts as a second skin) as shown
in figure 12. can improve the indoor climate. They reduce the
sun glare, reduces noise and dust by sound absorption and
by filtering air. A stabilised micro climate is created.
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4.0 SUMMARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS [2] Koenigsberger OH, Ingersoll TG, Mayhew Alan,
Utilization of natural day light improves the quality and Szokolay SV., Manual of tropical housing and
standard of the building in relation to the design strategies building -climatic design. Orient longman private
and enhances the aesthetic factor, creating a visual limited; 1975.
experience. It is an element which has an influence over the
psychophysical wellbeing of an individual by the appropriate [3] Aravind Krishnan, Nick baker, Simas Yannas, SV
use of the natural light through fenestration, shading devices Szokolay, climate responsive architecture: A design
and incorporation of the perfect ratios of its characters. handbook for Energy efficient buildings, Mcgraw
Considering the design criteria for warm humid climate Hill Education (India) Private Limited, 2001.
especially in Tamil Nadu, the buildings are to be oriented in
[4] Norbert Lechner, Heating, cooling, lighting _
accordance to the sun and wind direction, utilizing its
sustainable design, fourth edition
advantageous factor to its fullest. Water bodies are not to be
added as they would tend to further increase the humidity [5] Karen Kensek and Jae Yong Suk, Journal of Creative
content in the atmosphere. To encourage the air flow, the Sustainable Architecture & Built Environment,
streets are to be oriented parallel to the prevailing wind CSABE Vol. 1, November, 2011 (clear and
direction. North south orientation favours the blocking up overcast sky)
of the direct solar radiation. Mutual shading can be achieved
at the streetscape level by the choice of suitable road width. [6] http://www.beaconlightingtradeclub.com.au/medi
For uninterrupted air movement, free planning of buildings a/ Assets / LUX_Levels_Chart.pdf
and large open spaces are recommended. The form of the
building can be narrow and linear to facilitate cross [7] https://www.kellwood.co.uk/led-
ventilation. Areas with high heat and moisture content such lighting/technical/ cibse- recommended-lux-levels
as toilets and kitchens must be properly ventilated and can
[8] http://www.slideshare.net/AnanthShayan/warm-
also be separated from the main structure. Open spaces such
and- humid-climate-55783434?qid=ce4c727c-
as balconies, verandahs, porches and courtyards can be
7712-415e- a2b9-
increased in number. A courtyard helps to draw away the
aeb2e224f926&v=&b=&from_search=4 (design)
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levels. To shelter the spaces from sun and rain and to have a [9] http://collections.infocollections.org/ukedu/
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installed. The interior and exterior surfaces can be painted
with appropriate light colors and surface finishes or [10] https://www.noao.edu/education/QLTkit/ACTIVIT
reflecting materials can be used to reduce heat gain of the Y_Documents/Safety/LightLevels_outdoor+indoor.p
building. The passive techniques to lower the indoor df (lux)
temperature are found to be cost effective.
BIOGRAPHIES
5.0 CONCLUSION C.V.Subramanian is an Associate
Thus by understanding these criterias and its proper Professor in the Department of
application, enhances the spaces and creates a comfortable Architecture, Periyar Maniammai
zone without any mechanical devices or with minimum use. University. He has 19 years of
experience in this field. His area of
While designing the buildings, both Architects and Civil
interest is Energy and Buildings.
engineers should take care of adequate daylight inside the
building, improve the productivity levels and keep the S.Kamalesvari is a final year
indoor in comfortable conditions in a natural way student in the Department of
contributing towards energy conservation and sustainable Architecture, Periyar Maniammai
architecture. University. She is doing her special
study on Daylight in Architecture
REFERENCES for her Thesis project.

[1] BIS, National Building code of India, Bureau of

Indian standards, New Delhi, 2005.

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